Auto News 5

From GMM

Sebastian Vettel says he is "sad" the 2013 season, characterised by his history-making dominance, is now over.

But the Red Bull driver does not have much company, made plain by the many visibly empty seats at the usually-bustling Interlagos finale.

"It was the worst it has been in recent years," a woman serving at an official merchandising stand at the Brazilian grand prix admitted to O Estado de S.Paulo newspaper.

Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull. (Photo: WRi2)

The television figures were also down in 2013, with last year's average of 5.58 million viewers per race in Germany down to 5.28 this season, according to DPA news agency.

And according to 1979 world champion Jody Scheckter, formula one fans should expect more Vettel dominance in the future.

"I think it's hard to believe that he won't beat Michael's record," he told CNN, referring to Schumacher's seven titles.

"I thought nobody would ever beat that record," added Scheckter.

Despite the sweeping rule changes for 2014, Red Bull is also confident it can keep its run going. Bild newspaper reports that the team has signed up two simulator drivers - Sebastien Buemi and Antonio Felix da Costa - for 2014.

"Next year, the simulator will be running virtually around the clock," said Dr Helmut Marko. "Vettel can't do it alone."

Indeed, with his fourth championship firmly in the bag, Vettel said he will be doing "nothing" for the next few weeks.

"First of all I hope that I will not get sick when all the stress goes away, which can easily happen," he is quoted by DPA.

"And I will not be eating much bacon, because the weight next year could be critical."

Sebastian Vettel, winner in Singapore. (Photo: WRi2)

Also critical will be the influence of the engine manufacturers, as Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull's supplier Renault grapple with the new turbo V6s.

"It is impossible to know how it's going to be until we are in Melbourne," team boss Christian Horner is quoted by Austria's Der Standard. "Everything else would just be speculation."

Formula 1 will enter a new era early next year with the introduction of the turbo hybrid cars, powered by 1.6-litre V6 petrol engines supplied by Ferrari, Renault and Mercedes.

The first session of the new season will be held at the Jerez de la Frontera road circuit in Southern Spain, January 28 to 31, 2014.

Unusual cold weather troubled winter testing last February at Circuit de Barcelona. So, teams decided this time to stage the following two tests of 2014 at Bahrain International Circuit.

The second test will take place February 19 to 22 in Bahrain, and the third and final one is scheduled for February 27 to March 2, again in Bahrain.

The 2014 F1 season is expected to kick off with the Grand Prix of Australia in Melbourne, March 16, 2014. The final version of the 2014 F1 calendar will be approved at the meeting of the World Council of Motorsport December 6.

Bahrain International Circuit.

From PMRA

The annual Night of Champions was recently held for the Pro Modified Racing Association, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, and the Pro Bike & Sled Series.

This is the season-ending event for all three drag race series, and honors the teams for their efforts throughout the racing season.

For 2013, the banquet was held at the Holiday Inn Burlington Hotel and Conference Center in Burlington, Ontario, and hosted by Bill Mehlenbacher.

With the three vehicles of each series champion on display, the top five teams from each series were presented with their awards.

For the PMRA, which completed its ninth year of operation, the top five were champion Rocky Di Lecce of Mississauga, Ontario, followed by the Grainy Brothers of North Tonawanda, New York, Bruce Boland of Stoney Creek, Ontario, Derek Hawker of Corbyville, Ontario, and Paolo Giust of Osgoode, Ontario.

Accepting awards in the Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts, which has finished its fifth season, were champions Bill Wilson and Rob Gray with their Ingersoll, Ontario-based Top Sportsman, the Top Sportsman entries of Kevin Wicke and Spencer Hyde, both of Stratford, Ontario, and the Top Dragster entries of Melanie Simmons Salemi of Orillia, Ontario, and Jeff Moser, of Bamberg, Ontario.

Accepting his 2013 championship in the Pro Bike & Sled Series presented by Wiseco Performance Products was Pro Bike rider Dan Cryderman of Thamesville, Ontario. He was followed in the series by the Pro Bike riders Ted Glinny of Milton, Ontario, Dave Vandereyken of Acton, Ontario, the team of Melissa Pluim and Marty Kuiack from Milton, and John Orfanidis of Toronto, Ontario. This year was the third season for the series which features motorcycle and snowmobile drag racing.

One of drag racing's greatest ambassadors, John Waldie of Stratford, was on hand to accept the John Massingberd Memorial Award, presented by the PMRA annually for his or her contribution to the sport.

Waldie began in the sport in 1965 with a six-cylinder dragster and then a Super Stock Camaro and Mustang Cobra Jet.

He was then associated with the Pro Stock team of Jerry Eckman and was very successful. He then he turned his sights to the emerging Pro Modified class working with Pro Modified driver and engine tuner Al Billes. He is the president of the Real Pro Mod Association (RPM), and a director with the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame.

John is one of, if not the top, greatest ambassadors of drag racing in Canada, stated PMRA director of operations Bruce Mehlenbacher.

He joins Carl Spiering, Fred and Betsy Smith, Bob Slack and Vern Christy.

Other awards presented during the evening were:

Series Official of the Year Award ~ Dave Ross
Pro Modified Racing Association ~ Achievement Award ~ Rocky Di Lecce
Pro Modified Racing Association ~ Sportsmanship Award ~ Grainy Brothers
Pro Modified Racing Association ~ Rookie of the Year Award ~ Paolo Giust
PMRA Wiseco Performance Products Award ~ Paolo Giust
Quick 32 Sportsman Series ~ Achievement Award ~ Scott Wildgust
Quick 32 Sportsman Series ~ Sportsmanship Award ~ Jeff Moser
Quick 32 Sportsman Series ~ Rookie of the Year Award ~ Scott McCann
Bear's Performance Products Dash 4 Cash Award ~ Spencer Hyde
Quick 32 Sportsman Series Wiseco Piston Award ~ Kevin Wicke
Pro Bike & Sled Series ~ Achievement Award ~ John Orfanidis
Pro Bike & Sled Series ~ Sportsmanship Award ~ Dave Vandereyken
Pro Bike & Sled Series ~ Rookie of the Year Award ~ Marty Kuiack & Melissa Pluim
PBSS Wiseco Performance Products Award ~ Dan Cryderman

Although no 2014 race dates have been announced as of yet, upcoming schedules are in the works and dates for the upcoming season will be announced shortly.

The Pro Modified Racing Association, www.PMRA.ca competes with its two companion series, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, www.Quick32.ca and the Pro Bike & Sled Series, www.PBSS.ca, travelling and racing together throughout the racing season, offering an exciting and diverse package of drag racing action.

Where top levels of fuel efficiency, versatility, and space are priorities, the mini-ute, mini-minivan and mini-SUV are tremendously appealing used-car buys. With the space busy families want, and the promise of infrequent stops to refuel, models like these are growing in popularity in the new-car market making the selection of used models even more tremendous than ever.

Here's a look at some of the most appealing small, high-utility vehicles in the used-car market today, as well as what their owners love, and what they say you should check for when considering a used model. Read on if you're planning to visit a used-car lot looking for a machine that's big on space and small on fuel consumption.

Remember: If you settle for a model that doesn't have full service records, visit your favourite mechanic for a full fluid change and tune-up for maximum confidence, longevity, and mileage.

2004 to 2007 Chevrolet Optra Wagon

2004 Chevrolet Optra (Photo: Chevrolet)

The Draw: Low resale values of this Daewoo-based Chevrolet station wagon combine with relatively solid reliability to make it the affordable highlight of our list. Look for a fuel-efficient 2.0L 4-cylinder on all models with automatic or manual transmission. Styling, comfort, and interior space, as well as ease of entry and exit, were all highly rated by owners. For the price, many of these owners confirm that the Optra Wagon is tough to beat for cargo capacity. Driving dynamics and braking performance are rated well, too.

What to Check: Common sense used-car checks should be your starting point with this machine. Though the Optra Wagon looks solid where reliability is concerned, shoppers should ensure proper functionality from all interior accessories, check tire wear, fluids, and all lights.

A test drive should see a fairly quiet ride that's free of front end clunking or grinding over bumps, and the brakes should stop the car quickly and in a straight line. Note that any unusual vibration or squealing from the brakes indicates a problem, as does a spongy pedal that wants to go to the floor. Ensure the automatic transmission, if equipped, moves smoothly through its gate and engages the selected gear with no issue. Issues with sporadic performance or hesitation are likely caused by a bad engine sensor.

2004 Chevrolet Optra (Photo: Chevrolet)

Continue reading Feature: Popular Used Rides for Maximum Utility

From press release

Strakka Racing has agreed a long-term sportscar partnership with DOME, in which it will work together to develop, bring to market and race a brand new ‘cost-capped' LMP2 coupe prototype endurance race car - the Strakka DOME S103.

The first Strakka DOME S103, which will be powered by a Nissan VK45 4.5-litre V8 LMP2 petrol engine, will contest the entire FIA World Endurance Championship next year, pending approval of the Selection Committee.

Photo: Strakka Racing

Silverstone-based Strakka Racing has a rich history in sportscar racing, having contested the Le Mans 24 Hour race for the last six consecutive years - winning the LMP2 trophy (and finishing a record-breaking 5th overall) in 2010 and the LMP1 Privateers' award in 2013.

In 2012 Strakka Racing was runners up in the LMP1 Privateers' class in the FIA World Endurance Championship and finished as LMP2 runners up in 2010 and 2011 in the European Le Mans Series.

DOME was established in 1975 by Minoru Hayashi, and over the last 38 years has become a leading racecar constructor and motorsport competitor. Based in Maibara, Shiga Prefecture in Japan, DOME made its Le Mans 24 Hour race debut in 1979.

From GMM

Circuit owner Red Bull has only just filed its application to allow a sizeable race-day crowd to assemble for the 2014 Austrian grand prix.

The energy drink company, having demolished and rebuilt the former A1-Ring, succeeded in securing the Red Bull Ring's return to the F1 calendar for next June.

But, at the moment, local authorities reportedly allow no more than 40,000 spectators to gather at the facility at any given time.

Red Bull wants that figure to be doubled, but the 100-page application document has only just been filed, the Austrian broadcaster ORF reports.

That is despite tickets for the 2014 race having already gone on sale, sparking so much demand that internet servers strained under the load.

"It (the application) will either be judged positively or negatively," a spokesperson is quoted as saying. "If everything is positive, the decision could come before Christmas."

Red Bull Ring. (Photo: Red Bull)

From GMM

The final pieces of the 2014 grid are now set to fall into place.

With the possible - albeit unlikely - exception of Caterham and Marussia, the only team with full driver stability heading into next season will be Mercedes.

Top teams Ferrari and McLaren, however, have already decided their 2014 lineups, leaving Lotus, Sahara Force India and Sauber with the most interesting remaining seats to fill.

Until now, despite Nico Hulkenberg's talent, Pastor Maldonado has held the key to unlocking those vacancies, thanks to his EUR 40 million in PDVSA backing.

He has been in talks with Sauber, whose financial struggles in 2013 have been well documented, but ultimately the Swiss team has missed out on the crucial millions.

With Sauber's Sergey Sirotkin-linked Russian rescue deal now in doubt, the Maldonado blow could be costly. Germany's Auto Motor und Sport said co-owners Peter Sauber and Monisha Kaltenborn may have to sell the Hinwil based team.

"Plan C is a sale, and reputable investors from the USA are said to be interested," said the report.

Sergio Perez, ex-McLaren, is looking for a race seat as well. (Photo: WRi2)

In the end, the similarly-struggling Lotus has also had to acknowledge that its Quantum money may never arrive, and so it has reportedly signed Maldonado.

An announcement of the Venezuelan's contract is said to be imminent.

"I think we are now coming to a final agreement," Maldonado is quoted by Brazilian newspaper O Estado de S.Paulo, without naming his likely 2014 team.

A Quantum-cashed Lotus would ideally have picked Hulkenberg, but the talented German has been left to decide between staying at Sauber, or returning to Force India.

His decision will be made "in the next two or three days," manager Werner Heinz is quoted by SID news agency.

But paddock insiders know better. Hulkenberg apparently signed his Sahara Force India deal on Sunday, ahead of the Brazilian grand prix.

Heinz hinted at the done deal. "His (Hulkenberg's) heart is at Sauber, but we don't know what their financial situation will look like next year.

"In all probability we will sign at Sahara Force India. It's too dangerous when you don't know if Sauber is going to have the sponsors it needs," he said.

The two Sahara Force India. (Photo: WRi2)

On the other hand, the main backer at Sahara Force India is Dr Vijay Mallya, and he is "a rich man who invests in the team again and again," Heinz is quoted by Der Spiegel.

It is believed Sauber will replace Hulkenberg with Adrian Sutil, making room at Sahara Force India for the McLaren refugee Sergio Perez, who has reunited with Telmex and reportedly has EUR 15 million to offer in sponsorship.

"Obviously it (Force India) is one of the options," the Mexican said. "I hope in the next few days we are going to have some news."

From GMM

Jenson Button has played down fears McLaren could be set to enter a Williams-like slide into the bottom half of the formula one grid.

The once-dominant Williams team has now been dwarfed by the superior resources, facilities and budgets of Red Bull, Ferrari, Mercedes and McLaren.

McLaren, however, had an awful 2013 season - its worst in decades - and is now losing its title sponsor Vodafone.

But after recording a mere fourth place finish in the Interlagos finale, the team said on Twitter it had been a "great performance", adding the hashtag 'Believe In McLaren'.

Jenson Button defended the Woking based team's optimism.

"There is a good atmosphere and a belief in the team," he is quoted as saying by British newspapers, denying that McLaren could follow Williams into a slide down the grid.

"We have the resources that Williams don't. Money is king in a sport like formula one. The same in football in a way."

Photo: McLaren F1 Team

Jenson Button also denied McLaren needs a management shakeup, even though Martin Whitmarsh has presided over a season in which not even a single podium was mounted.

"They've had a tough time of it this year and everybody is quoting figures," he said. "But everyone is excited about next year. (Rule) changes are great for everyone apart from Red Bull," he insisted.

Button's friend and former F1 driver David Coulthard, however, thinks the 2009 world champion's motivation would have taken a big knock in 2013.

But the Scot, who drove for McLaren for years, tips Button and the team to rise again.

"McLaren are a mighty team, they have a great facility and pots of money," he told the Telegraph.

An automotive market research company has settled with the state of New Jersey after being accused of using software code to monitor online consumer behavior without consent.

General Motors investors are focused on the possibility of stock buybacks or a dividend on common shares now that the Treasury has outlined its plans to sell the rest of its GM stake by year end, analysts said.

Kia Motors Finance was the top auto lender among mass-market brands and Lincoln Automotive Financial Services the top lender among luxury brands in JD Power's 2013 U.S. Consumer Financing Satisfaction Study released today.

We spend a lot of time expressing our automotive passions through text, telling stories of our wild drives and repair quandaries.

PSA has hired former Renault executive Carlos Tavares to replace Philippe Varin as CEO in 2014.

PSA has hired former Renault executive Carlos Tavares to lead the French manufacturer out of a six-year slump in European demand.

2015 Hyundai Genesis Review

Luxury sedan 2.0.

Namyang, South Korea -- Five years ago, Hyundai launched its first luxury car, the Genesis. Few car names have been so fitting, because the Genesis truly was the beginning of a change in perception and market reach for the Korean automaker. At the time, we said that Hyundai had “taken off its gloves,” launching a “no-holds-barred assault” on the luxury market with a car that was surprisingly impressive. The 2009 Genesis was a commendable effort complete with a powerful V-8 and rear-wheel drive—an ambitious feat for any car company, let alone one that had never done a premium vehicle of any kind in its then 41-year existence.

Photo Gallery: 2015 Hyundai Genesis Review - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2015 Hyundai Genesis Review - Automobile Magazine

2015 Hyundai Genesis Review | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

Looking back into 50 years of Mustang history, we came across a motor with a few alter egos. The 1969

2015 Audi S3 Review

Sporting but subtle.

The 2015 Audi S3 creates little stir on a sunny, cool morning in Monte Carlo. Parked outside a posh hotel not far from the famous casino you know from James Bond films and mere steps from the iconic streets that make up the circuit of the Monaco Grand Prix, the S3 only hints at what it can do. It’s a handsome car, for sure, but it easily blends into the glamorous surroundings of a Royal principality where Ferraris and Bentleys are more common than Fords and Chevys. But the S3 isn’t meant to stand out in Monte Carlo, it’s meant to turn the heads of American consumers seeking a classy sedan with sporting character and luxurious features.

Photo Gallery: 2015 Audi S3 Review - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2015 Audi S3 Review - Automobile Magazine

2015 Audi S3 Review | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

Further details have emerged this afternoon (25 November) concerning PSA Peugeot Citroen's decision to nominate former Renault COO, Carlos Tavares, to succeed Philippe Varin next year.

PSA Peugeot Citroen is confirming former Renault COO, Carlos Tavares, is to succeed current CEO, Philippe Varin next year.

Youtube user and co-founder of The Supercar Kids,